The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE and Ford Explorer are spacious, midsize SUVs, and while they are both strong choices in their segment, these popular three-row family haulers take different approaches. Our team at Huffines Hyundai Plano in Texas compiled this comparative guide to help you decide whether the 2026 PALISADE or Explorer best suits your needs.
Design and Exterior Features
The 2026 PALISADE receives a complete makeover, featuring boxier lines, a modernized grille, and an eye-catching silver D-pillar. An integrated light bar spanning the width of the front end and C-shaped headlights create a distinctive lighting signature.
The new PALISADE is 2.5 inches longer than the previous model, and its wheelbase is stretched by 2.7 inches, resulting in more interior space. Wheels range from 18 to 21 inches, and select variants come standard with an integrated trailer hitch that's hidden behind a panel on the rear bumper.
After a mid-cycle refresh in 2025, the Explorer carries over to 2026 essentially unchanged. It retains a traditional SUV silhouette, with squared-off front fascia, sculpted body lines, and prominent wheel arches. Key design elements include LED headlights, signature lighting, fog lamps, and various wheel options.
The Explorer has a sleek but familiar design, while the PALISADE showcases an all-new, bolder aesthetic. If you prioritize interior space and upscale design features, consider the Hyundai.
Engine and Performance
The 2026 PALISADE offers its first-ever hybrid powertrain option: a turbo-four paired with two electric motors for an estimated 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. It earns up to 34 mpg combined and has an expected driving range of 619 miles. The standard 3.5-liter six-cylinder produces 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates for nonhybrid models range from 18-19 mpg in the city to 24-25 mpg on the highway. With the standard engine, the PALISADE has a 0-to-60 mph time of around 6.6 seconds. Its maximum towing capacity when properly equipped is 5,000 pounds.
Ford offers a standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter V-6 delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft in specific models. With the four-cylinder, the Explorer accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, while the ST equipped with the V-6 achieves the same in 5.1 seconds. The maximum towing capacity for all models is 5,000 pounds, and EPA estimates indicate fuel economy figures of 18-20 mpg in the city and 25-29 mpg on the highway.
The PALISADE Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy, saving you money at the pump, while the standard V-6 delivers a simpler, turbo-free driving experience. Ford's turbo engines provide superior acceleration, but this may come at the cost of higher maintenance expenses.
Off-Road Capabilities
Both SUVs offer off-road-focused models. The PALISADE XRT PRO comes standard with Hyundai's HTRAC-All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, and aluminum underbody skid plates. With 8.4 inches of ground clearance — 1 inch more than non-XRT PRO models — it handles challenging trails and steep inclines. Other features include Mud, Sand, Snow, and Tow driving modes and functional front and rear recovery hooks.
Ford's competitor to the XRT PRO, the all-new Explorer Tremor, comes with all-terrain tires, a slightly raised ride height, front and rear skid plates, and a limited-slip rear differential. While both models are designed for off-roading, the XRT PRO has more purpose-built hardware.
Interior and Comfort
The PALISADE seats seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration, and has 155.3 cubic feet of cargo volume. In contrast, the Explorer accommodates seven passengers (six with the available second-row captain's chairs). Its total volume is 152.9 cubic feet.
The PALISADE's interior features soft-touch materials and upscale touches, including real aluminum accents in the top-tier Calligraphy trim. Upholstery ranges from cloth to quilted nappa leather. It offers heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats and heating in the third row. Dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard, and higher trims include third-row heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning controls.
In contrast, the Ford focuses on practical comfort and has more traditional styling elements. Its cabin is noticeably smaller, and the third row is less accommodating for adult passengers. Car and Driver praised the 2026 PALISADE's interior quality, rating it at 8.9 out of 10, while the 2026 Explorer scored 6.6 out of 10.
Technology and Infotainment
In the PALISADE, you'll find a large, curved dash that houses a 12.3-inch digital driver display and an equally sized infotainment touch screen. The system offers Over-the-Air software update capability, a built-in dual-camera dash cam recorder, and works with Hyundai's Digital Key 2.0 Premium, allowing you to use your smartphone or watch to unlock and start the vehicle. The SUV features an available UV-C Sterilization Compartment, multiple USB-C charging ports, and an optional 14-speaker Bose audio system.
The Explorer comes with a 13.2-inch LCD touch screen infotainment system running the Google-based Ford Digital Experience. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio (with a trial), and a Wi-Fi hot spot. There are eight USB ports, including two for your third-row passengers, and three 12-volt power outlets for seamless device charging. Overall, the PALISADE's technology is superior to the Explorer's.
Cargo Space and Versatility
The Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 with it folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both back rows lowered. In comparison, the PALISADE features 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet behind the second, and 86.4 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed. While the Ford has slightly more cargo volume, the PALISADE compensates with versatile seating solutions, including power-folding, sliding, and reclining mechanisms for the third row.
Safety and Reliability
The PALISADE earned a five-star National Highway Safety Administration rating and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award, while the Explorer received "Good" crash test ratings but missed the Top Safety Pick honor. The PALISADE offers more standard safety features than the Explorer, including Hyundai's Rear Occupant Alert system, safe exit assist, and a 10-airbag system.
Hyundai offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and both automakers provide a standard five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. The Explorer has a higher J.D. Power predicted reliability score than the PALISADE (87/100 vs. 85/100) but ranks lower overall among midsize SUVs (No. 14 vs. No. 2).
2026 Hyundai PALISADE vs. Ford Explorer: Which SUV Is Best for You?
Starting MSRPs for the 2026 PALISADE range from $40,430 for the basic SE trim with front-wheel drive (FWD) to $60,000 for the upscale Calligraphy Hybrid AWD. The starting MSRPs for the entry-level 2026 Explorer Active FWD model and top-tier ST AWD are $40,025 and $58,465, respectively. When you factor in the hybrid powertrain option, superior off-road model, higher interior quality score, and additional standard features, the PALISADE surpasses the Explorer in terms of value.
Test-Drive the 2026 PALISADE at Huffines Hyundai Plano
The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE offers great value, with superior tech, impressive efficiency, and excellent safety ratings. To experience this SUV firsthand, contact us or drop by our Huffines Hyundai Plano dealership to schedule a test-drive
